Auricular (Ear) Acupuncture: What it Can Help With (2024)

Auricular or ear acupuncture is a type of auriculotherapy, which refers to any acupressure or acupuncture treatment limited to your outer ears.

In traditional Chinese medicine, the ear contains acupuncture points that can control pain and other symptoms for specific parts of the body.

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) notes that auricular acupuncture may help reduce pain, particularly in people with chronic back pain or cancer-related pain.

Read on to learn more about the health issues auricular acupuncture may help with and how to find a licensed practitioner.

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), acupuncture is based on the theory that health depends on the flow of qi (energy) in the body. This energy travels along invisible pathways (meridians) throughout the body.

According to TCM, a blocked or disrupted flow of qi can negatively affect physical and mental health. Acupuncture aims to restore the flow of qi by resolving any blockages or disruptions.

Traditional acupuncture does this by targeting points found throughout your body.

Ear acupuncture uses a microsystem, which is a mini-map on the ear that reflects the whole body.

People use auricular acupuncture to help manage a range of health concerns, including:

There is limited evidence that auricular acupuncture can treat health conditions on its own. However, promising research suggests it can benefit a range of health conditions, especially when combined with other treatments. Acupuncture may benefit:

Pain management

A large 2020 cross-sectional cohort study of U.S. veterans found that a form of auricular acupuncture called Battlefield acupuncture helped decrease pain intensity in almost 60% of participants with chronic pain or physical or psychological health conditions.

Participants were more likely to report decreased pain with Battlefield acupuncture if they had not recently received opioids for pain.

The study authors determined that offering Battlefield acupuncture was safe, inexpensive, and effective for reducing short-term pain intensity.

Cancer and treatment side effects

A 2021 study determined that auricular acupuncture or electroacupuncture may help reduce chronic musculoskeletal pain in people who had cancer. However, compared to electroacupuncture, a type of acupuncture that uses electrical stimulation along with acupuncture, more people receiving articular acupuncture discontinued the study, reporting ear discomfort.

Mental health concerns

Another 2021 study examined the effects of auricular on insomnia among people who had breast cancer but were not undergoing active treatment. Participants receiving auricular acupuncture reported a significant improvement in sleep in the short term, as well as decreased stress, anxiety, and fatigue, compared to a group receiving psychoeducation. However, they did not find a relationship between auricular acupuncture and decreased symptoms of depression.

A 2022 study examined the effects of auricular acupuncture and lavender aromatherapy on preinterventional anxiety in people undergoing a cardiovascular intervention. The authors determined that this combination may be effective, but further study is required to confirm the results.

Auricular acupuncture also reduced anxiety in people preparing for a scheduled Cesarean delivery, according to a 2022 study.

Other studies, including a 2023 study, did not find that auricular acupuncture had a benefit for people with depression. However, they did determine that trying it was likely safe.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has also offered ear acupuncture for substance misuse disorder and PTSD.

Acupuncture sessions may vary slightly by practitioner. Some may use a combination of acupuncture points, while others might focus primarily on the master points.

But generally, a licensed practitioner will start by reviewing the symptoms you want to address.

If you’re having acupuncture done on your ear, you’ll likely spend the session in a seated position. But if you’re having other points stimulated, the practitioner may ask you to lie on your stomach, back, or side.

Next, the practitioner begins inserting needs. This may sting briefly, though some people don’t report feeling anything during the session.

After the needles are inserted, you usually sit or lie quietly for 10 to 40 minutes. Finally, the acupuncturist removes the needles. This is usually painless.

According to the NCCIH, acupuncture, including auricular acupuncture, is usually safe when performed by a licensed acupuncturist. Other studies have also determined it is likely safe.

If acupuncture isn’t performed correctly or needles aren’t sterile, you may be at risk for serious side effects. Licensed acupuncturists in the United States must use disposable needles, so receiving acupuncture from a licensed professional should minimize your risk for complications.

Some people experience mild side effects like bruising or dizziness after an acupuncture session, but these side effects typically resolve independently.

Talk with a doctor before getting acupuncture, especially if you are pregnant or you have a pacemaker, which could be affected by the mild electric pulse that’s sometimes used with electroacupuncture needles.

If you’ve decided to try acupuncture, choosing a licensed acupuncturist is essential.

In the United States, the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) offers a directory of licensed providers that you can use to help you find a licensed acupuncturist.

Licensing requirements vary from state to state. Each state has a division that monitors and licenses acupuncture practitioners.

You can also ask your healthcare professional for a recommendation.

Before making an appointment with a practitioner, consider asking them a few questions to determine:

If you’re worried about pain or discomfort, let them know. They may be able to address your concerns and help you feel more comfortable before your first session.

Auricular acupuncture is a type of acupuncture in which a licensed professional inserts thin needles into specific points on the outer ear to help with common health issues, such as pain.

If you’re interested in trying alternative treatments, auricular acupuncture may help relieve pain associated with certain health conditions. Be sure to see a licensed acupuncturist.